When I decided to transfer to Rutgers University, I knew living away from home would be a completely different experience. Living in dorms isn't always convenient or comfortable. It's harder to get personal space because you have a roommate, a whole floor of students and a limited amount of space. Back at home, I have my own room, walk-in closet and a full size bed, so it wasn't easy fitting everything into my dorm room. The plus side is that I have the corner room, so I have one of the biggest dorms on the floor. Just like everyone else, I learned to adapt to the dorm life.
My life at home is more clean and convenient since I don't have to share a public bathroom with 30 other girls or walk all the way to the dining hall to get food. I normally try to watch what I eat, so I try to cook my own food as much as I can. Being at home makes it possible to know what's exactly in my food. My favorite meal to cook is breakfast and being able to just go downstairs still in the comfort of my pajamas is one of the reasons why I love living at home. I love my parents to death, but I hate that I have to tell them where I'm going every time I leave the house. I also have to worry about coming home on time before my parents get mad. I try to be productive almost everyday and I often find myself lacking motivation when I'm at home. Even when I'm only home for the weekend, I have trouble focusing on my work and end up not finishing anything.
Surprisingly, I'm more focused in college even when there are numerous distractions. Living around young and motivated students makes me even more motivated to work hard. It was difficult adapting to the college life, but I worked on my time management skills and learned a lot about what to do and what not to do. In dorms, I would usually go to the study lounge and get my work done with other people that would help me if I was having trouble. I could go anywhere anytime without having my parents asking where I'm going. The freedom I have living at school makes it easier for me to be exactly who I am. When I'm at home, I don't have the freedom I do at school, so I can't be spontaneous without getting in trouble. I'm the type of person that never wants to spend my time at home doing nothing. Although there are good and bad things about living at home and at my dorm, I mostly prefer living at school because I can have fun and still do well in school.
Surprisingly, I'm more focused in college even when there are numerous distractions. Living around young and motivated students makes me even more motivated to work hard. It was difficult adapting to the college life, but I worked on my time management skills and learned a lot about what to do and what not to do. In dorms, I would usually go to the study lounge and get my work done with other people that would help me if I was having trouble. I could go anywhere anytime without having my parents asking where I'm going. The freedom I have living at school makes it easier for me to be exactly who I am. When I'm at home, I don't have the freedom I do at school, so I can't be spontaneous without getting in trouble. I'm the type of person that never wants to spend my time at home doing nothing. Although there are good and bad things about living at home and at my dorm, I mostly prefer living at school because I can have fun and still do well in school.
Jessica, I really liked your post about your home, and I mostly agree with you in saying that living at school/university is more preferable because its fun but allows you to have fun. It was really cool to read about your journey since transferring schools and about how different you life is a home and at university as your home, especially because it overlaps with what I've experienced. Great post!
ReplyDeleteJessica, I really enjoyed reading about your transition from a commuter to an on-campus student. Im sure that was a big decision that took a lot of thought but I'm glad you are having more fun here on campus. It was a very cool approach to describe the dynamic of your life at home and on your own!
ReplyDeleteHey Jessica! I really liked your post! I feel your pain about parents wondering where I am and getting upset when I'm not back by a certain time. I agree with you about having more freedom and being able to focus more while at school. Although not being able to spend all day in my PJs is a downside. Other than that, I also enjoy being able to go somewhere without being questioned 24/7. My parents also tried to convince to go to a school closer to home, but I knew I wouldn't be able to handle living without the freedom I have now. I hope your transition wasn't too bad and that you're enjoying Rutgers!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed how you described how you transitioned from commuting to school to living on campus. It was something I had to go through similarly-ish, I had to choose whether to commute or to dorm. Living on campus has been one of the best decisions, and I understand how you would want to not live at home anymore.
ReplyDeleteYou really touched on something that I faced myself, a whole new laundry list of challenges you are faced with once attending college. Everything is well different, you can no longer rely on what you used to rely on. You have to build new habits and ways to continue living in an efficient and enjoyable manner just like at home! Going away to school teaches you so much about yourself and self responsibility.
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